27/64 Drill Bit too big???

[SuperDave]

I have produced four Jr. Statesman and Gentleman Fountain Pens for an upcoming show and the "New" 27/64" drill bit CSUSA recommends, makes an over sized hole. I switched to a 13/32" bit, which is a little snug but with slower setting thick CA, it goes in fine with a little smack on the bench.

Has anyone else had an issue with the 27/64" bit making a hole that is WAY TOO BIG?

Dave

 

[stevers]

If memory serves, CSUSA changed the bit to a 10.5mm. Is that right guys?

 

[mrcook4570]

Originally posted by stevers

If memory serves, CSUSA changed the bit to a 10.5mm. Is that right guys?

Yep

 

[johnnycnc]

CSUSA's page for the pens:
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/s...ntlemen_s_II_Pen_Kit___jr_gent_2_smooth?Args=
now calls for 10.5mm .

BUT, Their instructions in Their library
http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/woodturners/Images/pdfs/jr_gentlemens_statesman2.pdf
still call for 27/64". [B)]

 

[SuperDave]

That's what I get for referring to the plans...[8] Even bought a second 27/64 bit thinking I had a bad one[B)]

Thanks guys, appreciate the quick turn-around!

 

[Gruntster]

Try some Gorilla Glue. I love the expansion of it, it may be enough to save whatever blanks you have already drilled.

 

[IPD_Mrs]

Gorilla glue will save your blanks. Pick up a Norseman 10.5mm and 12.5mm when you get a chance. It will work with the Jr Gent, Jr Statesman and Jr Retro.

Mike & Linda

 

[Jarheaded]

Gorilla glue saved 10 nice burl blanks that were for 10mm cigar pens and accidently drilled 27/64 holes in all. The customer loved the pens. I keep it around just in case now.
Johnnie

 

[Texatdurango]

Originally posted by SuperDave

I have produced four Jr. Statesman and Gentleman Fountain Pens for an upcoming show and the "New" 27/64" drill bit CSUSA recommends, makes an over sized hole. I switched to a 13/32" bit, which is a little snug but with slower setting thick CA, it goes in fine with a little smack on the bench.

Has anyone else had an issue with the 27/64" bit making a hole that is WAY TOO BIG?

Dave

Personally, I wouldn't get too excited over it, I didn't know they recommended the 10.5mm bit and have been merrily going on my way using the 27/64" bit for months now. I have probably assembled close to 100 of the Jr Gent and Statesmen kits with no problems, but I use epoxy to glue my tubes and that is perhaps why I never minded nor paid much attention to the hole size.

 

[rherrell]

13/32" works fine for me.

 

[pipeyeti]

I have been using the 10.5. I am having problems when I have to paint the inside of the blank. I may try the 27/64 on the next one that needs some color inside.

 

[Rifleman1776]

One of the problems with CS is that their instructions, catalog and website do not always agree. They are often behind on publishing changes. I always ask current specs when placing orders for kits I have never used before. The advice you have received thus far is accurate.

 

[SuperDave]

The problem with "too much" slop in the fit, is that the wood or acrylic "skin" can get way too thin on the small end and make the pen a bit too fragile.

Also, if the tube is not centered in the hole through the blank, you can get a barrel that is thicker on one side and can cause vibration when turning as well as a lop-sided/oval barrel and fit (the hole does not have to be perfectly centered in the blank, but the tube needs to be centered in the hole... especially a hole that is not a snug fit.) I discovered this the hard way by laying the blank flat while the CA was setting up and the tube settled to one side... not by much, but a 64th is a lot in our business and at 3,000 RPM it really makes a difference.

I now stand every blank vertical and have all but eliminated that issue.